„A concert that could not have been better”
Jubilee concert with amarcord in Wernigerode
Mysterious atmosphere in an old church. An unbelievably long, constant tone and voices coming from no-where. This was how began yesterday's anniversary concert for the 10th jubilee edition of the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition in the Sylvestri church. We were happy to welcome the renowned vocal ensemble amarcord from Leipzig. Later, the almost ghostly atmosphere at the beginning changed to sorrowful, to happy and funny. Especially, adapting to the church's big acoustics was well dealt with by the singers.
Juror Paul Smith who experienced the Leipzig singers for the first time, explains: "It's our world, you know? Sitting there, taking notes, working with choirs. But I could really enjoy it." The Finnish jury member Mia Makaroff met the ensemble for the first time as well, even though - true thing - she had already composed some comissioned works for them: "We have actually never met. But it was a pleasure!"
Who visited the concert could enjoy it. The artistic director of the festival, Ralf Eisenbeiß, judges: "A colorful program, unbelievably homogeneous, but flexible sound - a concert that could not have been better."
The International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition is still running until Sunday, July 9. Please follow the event on Facebook for more updates, photos and videos!
